Yolandi du Preez (Yollie) received a life-changing operation on November 10, thanks to a generous donation of R15 000 from an anonymous donor.

Du Preez had struggled with her health for several years, having sustained injuries from a previous abusive relationship, dealing with severely low blood counts, and a growing mass in her abdomen, which had reached the size of a 28-week-old foetus.

At her wits’ end, Du Preez contacted the Standerton Advertiser, desperately seeking help to improve her quality of life. After the initial article was published, she was advised to contact Dr Lesne Pucjlowski.

During her initial examination, Du Preez was informed that the chances of the surgery being successful were very low. Admittedly, she was scared due to previous encounters with doctors.

“I was so scared, but the doctor was gentle and kind and made me feel calm through every step of the process,” stated Du Preez.

Two days before the operation, Du Preez received concerning news that her blood count was too low for surgery. She was taken to Standerton Hospital for an immediate blood transfusion.

“My mass had not stopped bleeding for over a month. I felt woozy constantly, I could not eat or even stand up on my own,” said Du Preez.

After receiving the blood transfusions, Du Preez was closely monitored, and on November 10, two large masses were removed from her abdomen.

Du Preez explained that she had to undergo a full hysterectomy during the procedure as the masses were too large. According to her, the masses were so big they pushed her intestines beneath her ribcage.

After the operation, Du Preez said she looked forward most to standing up without pain or bleeding. “Those first steps were the most incredible feeling I have ever experienced,” she stated.

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Du Preez is currently recovering at home, and the time she has spent reflecting during her recovery has led to a profound sense of gratitude.

“I will forever be grateful to every person who has helped me to this point, especially Dr Pucjlowski, who assisted me with the utmost care when others shunned me and turned me away,” said Du Preez.

She explained that she had thought her life was over and feared she would surely die if the mass continued bleeding and growing.

She described the day she received the call that an anonymous donor had covered the entire operation as the best day of her life.

“I do not know who you are, but you gave me a second chance at life. You allowed me to watch my grandson grow up, to be treated like a human being, and to find love,” said Du Preez.

Du Preez shared that her five-year-old grandson had been scared of the procedure.

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“He kneeled next to my bed and prayed for me to get better,” she explained. She cannot wait to be fully recovered so she can play with him and give him the childhood he deserves.

With the support of her children, Du Preez hopes to make a full recovery and live life to the fullest. She expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by her during this time – her children, her son’s girlfriend, the doctors and nurses at Standerton Hospital, Dr Pucjlowski, and the anonymous donor.

“Most importantly, I thank and praise the Lord for bringing the right people to me when I needed them most,” said Du Preez.

Although Du Preez still faces a long road to recovery, the improvement in her quality of life is already evident. During the interview, she smiled wider than ever, speaking with clarity and hope for a future she had once given up on.

The masses removed were sent for testing to determine whether they were benign or malignant, and Du Preez is currently waiting patiently for the results.

“If the masses are cancerous, we will take it one step at a time. I am grateful to have such a wonderful team standing by me. With them by my side, I can survive anything,” concluded Du Preez.